Salem Railway Police have registered cases against nearly 150 people for allegedly damaging engine and coaches of Bengaluru-Karaikkal Express, which was held captive during the pro-Jallikattu protest on January 19.

The train was retrieved with the help of police on January 23 and the damages were estimated at Rs.60 lakh – Rs.10 lakh for diesel locomotive and Rs.40 lakh for 16 coaches by mechanical wing of Southern Railways.

Cases were registered against those who indulged in damaging the train, under five sections, including trespass, prevention of the movement of train by blocking it and also attempting to sabotage by placing stones on the track,
railway sources said.

The cases have since been handed over to the Salem City Police for further investigations, they said.

Investigations were on whether the damages were caused by students or the handiwork of anti-social elements, since there were enough video clippings and material evidence to prove the hands behind the incident, police said.